Transcript Highlights:

• things in the economy is fishing, and you've got the Texas Legends billfish, you got Texas Women Anglers
• It supports over 36,000 jobs that is further magnified, uh, by the value-added expenditures of anglers
• So most of the fishing activity related to saltwater angler is centered in Port Aransas, including the
• These 1 million Texas saltwater anglers collectively spend over 15 million fishing days as well over
• It offers a mix of historic storytelling and modern data.

Bills: HCR6

Keywords: Meals on Wheels, senior services, nutrition, community support, volunteerism

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're an angler, you've got hope baked into your DNA.
• Over the course of 2024, we collected data from about 77,000 angler trips. So hardworking...
• About 77,000 angler trips.
• As Director Bonham mentioned, we’re, as anglers, hopeful.
• And we know that RAMP is adaptable, but it is vulnerable to data gaps.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture held its annual State of the Fishery forum, focusing on salmon, Dungeness crab, kelp, ocean conditions, and related aquaculture and committee reports. Opening remarks from committee leadership emphasized climate impacts, reduced federal NOAA support, state investments through Proposition 4, coastal resilience funding, and the importance of fisheries to rural economies and tribal communities. Secretary of Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot described a decade of drought and climate stress, highlighted progress such as Klamath River dam removal, wetland restoration, and the state’s salmon strategy, and warned that federal funding uncertainty and staffing cuts could undermine restoration and fishery recovery efforts. Senator Cortese raised concerns about illegal cannabis cultivation damaging riparian habitat and water flows, and both Crowfoot and Fish and Wildlife Director Bonham said enforcement against illicit grows remains a major environmental priority but is constrained by resources. Director Bonham provided a broad update on California fisheries, reporting encouraging signs for salmon after several difficult years, including improved ocean conditions, stronger returns in some runs, and successful short recreational openings in 2025. He also noted major challenges, including reduced federal hatchery production at Nimbus, ongoing uncertainty around winter-run and spring-run recovery, and the need for continued habitat restoration, monitoring, and hatchery investment. On Dungeness crab, Bonham said the fishery remained valuable but constrained by whale entanglement risk, warming ocean conditions, and domoic acid concerns; he described new marked-line distribution, ropeless and alternative gear trials, and ongoing aerial and vessel monitoring. He also said the department’s unified cannabis enforcement task force had served numerous warrants and seized large amounts of illegal cannabis, but more funding is needed for sustained operations. In the salmon panel, Yurok Tribe fisheries director McCovey said the Klamath still faces low run sizes, climate-driven warming, wildfire impacts, and federal uncertainty, but he pointed to dam removal, restoration work, and AB 263’s river-flow protections as major advances. PCFFA president Bradshaw stressed that the three consecutive salmon closures have devastated coastal communities and argued for major reinvestment in aging Central Valley hatchery infrastructure and better broodstock management at Fall Creek. CalTrout’s Schneider said salmon remain at risk statewide, but cited Prop 4, habitat reconnection, floodplain restoration, improved water management, and monitoring as the main tools for recovery. In the crab panel, CDFW’s Schumann reported that the 2024–25 season produced record prices per pound and about $55 million in value despite delays and trap reductions, but he warned that three confirmed whale entanglements and elevated whale presence could force a conservative opener for 2025–26. PCFFA’s Domrash supported marked line, alternative gear, and a new gear-recovery network, while also criticizing the current ramp system as a response to a problem not fully grounded in science.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunters and anglers are excited about the fee adjustment.
• I also have a TBD on Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Do we have someone there from them?
• Another issue that we worked on was the Hunter-Angler position.
• Originally, I had that as Hunter or Angler.
• And so we made it hunter and angler.

Transcript Highlights:

• And led on the committee's informational hearing on data centers, learned about hunting and fishing regulation
• , Led on the committee's informational hearing on data centers, learned about hunting and fishing regulation
• angling data and funding steelhead restoration.
• Anglers buy a report card annually before fishing for steelhead and report their encounters at the end
• This program provides some of the only data to state and federal agencies, scientists, and the public

Summary: The committee heard several wildlife and water-related bills. SB 872, by Senator McNerney, would create a Delta Levees and Canal Subsidence Fund and allow waiver of local cost-sharing for Delta levee repairs to protect the State Water Project and Delta infrastructure. Supporters from water agencies, environmental groups, counties, and agricultural interests said the bill is needed to address levee failure and canal subsidence; there was no opposition, and the bill was held open until a quorum was present, with broad support expressed. SB 1108, by Senator Caballero, would establish the Grasslands Ecological Area Conservancy in the Central Valley to coordinate conservation, habitat restoration, public access, and voluntary easements in a region described as the largest remaining wetland/grasslands complex west of the Mississippi. Support came from the Grasslands Water District, Audubon, conservation groups, and local stakeholders, who emphasized the area’s importance to migratory birds, wildlife corridors, and land-use transition under groundwater sustainability. There was no opposition, and the bill received favorable committee support. SB 1135, by Senator Blakespear, would reestablish and strengthen the statewide wildlife coexistence program to reduce human-wildlife conflict through nonlethal deterrence, education, and compensation for livestock losses. Supporters cited rising wildlife incidents, wolf depredation, and the need for proactive tools; opponents and some committee members raised concerns about rural impacts, funding, and the absence of law enforcement/public safety as a specifically named advisory role. After discussion and amendments that moved the cattlemen and Farm Bureau to neutral, the bill passed out of committee on a due-pass motion, though some members voted no or abstained. SB 1305, by Senator Richardson, would direct CDFW to study the feasibility of grizzly bear reintroduction and prepare a roadmap, with tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement, but would not itself authorize reintroduction. Tribal sponsors and conservation groups supported the bill as a planning and cultural restoration effort, while hunting, ranching, and county groups opposed it, arguing California already faces major wildlife-management and funding challenges and that the proposal would create new conflicts. Committee members debated costs, appropriations, and whether the study should include funding estimates; the bill was amended and passed on a due-pass motion. The committee also heard SB 1250, by Senator Cortese, which would require Caltrans to incorporate wildlife connectivity into transportation planning; supporters said it would reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity, and the bill was presented in support as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• a lot of uh benefit to our anglers. a lot of uh benefit to our anglers.
• So all of our work for our anglers.
• 03:47:15.439> the research, the data collection, the research, the data collection, the scient
• both saltwater and freshwater anglers both saltwater and freshwater anglers spent<03:47:46.160><
• > determine<03:50:30.880> how use that data to determine how use that data to determine

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But all of a sudden this data was being used, and we've had a lot of discussion about data.
• I also had another question: Will those providers that are trying to sell this data or buy this data
• protections of that data.
• protections of that data.
• I mean, we have the data. We know we have the data.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• work with the whole swath of outdoor recreation and user groups, whether that would be hunters and anglers
• ...and user groups, whether that be hunters and anglers or family campers and bird watchers, right?
• I mean, you've got to have the data, which has got to be then supported by the decision-making process
• Yeah, I think so, especially as to the data and, you know, bringing all...
• Yeah, I think so, especially as to the data and, you know, bringing all that expertise to bear, but also

Keywords: 1182, all

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, harvest location data collected from digital tagging, as well as data from mandatory and voluntary
• The bill ensures that location data can only be shared in specific cases, such as release to both federal
• By Protecting this information, SB1248 gives hunters and anglers the confidence to continue using digital
• tagging, which helps Texas Parks and Wildlife collect accurate data to manage wildlife populations effectively

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• but simply want to be at the table as regulations are determined and that this process is ultimately data
• and Science and is used to on data and Science and is used to develop<00:02:55.720> the<00:02
• Next up we have, from Back Country Hunters and Anglers, Greg.
• I'm a representative from Minnesota Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.
• I'm a representative from Minnesota Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a more efficient way of working so that they can accomplish what they need to accomplish for our anglers
• , hunters, and trappers in New Hampshire, not taking away any rights from hunters, anglers, and trappers
• <00:16:01.079> our they need to accomplish for for our they need to accomplish for for our Anglers
• for our hunters and for our Anglers for our hunters and for our Trappers<00:16:03.600> in<00:
• away any rights from hunters and Anglers away any rights from hunters and Anglers and<00:16:09.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will increase fish mortality directly through anglers keeping more fish and indirectly through
• through increase fish mortality directly through increase fish mortality directly through anglers
• of things like forward-facing sonar, which takes those hidden fish and makes them available to the angler
• And when we start slicing and dicing so that anglers need to look through an encyclopedia to figure out
• And when we start slicing and dicing so that anglers need to look through an encyclopedia to figure out

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• thank Chair, before I renew the motion, I’ll just say again, we all know people who are avid anglers
• something that I think we want to really work on to make sure that we’re creating that next generation of anglers
• something that I think we want to really work on to make sure that we’re creating that next generation of anglers
• something that I think we want to really work on to make sure that we’re creating that next generation of anglers

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 276, sponsored by Rep. Jim Nash, which would reduce the cost of fishing licenses by $10 for anglers age 65 and older. Nash described the bill as a modest fee reduction for longtime anglers, emphasizing the role of older fishermen in mentoring kids and supporting community activities, and noting that the bill includes a fiscal impact. He also said the proposal was a more conservative alternative to a previous bill and framed it as a way to recognize seniors who have long paid full-price license fees. Pat Rivers, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Division, testified that unlike the previous bill, HF 276 would not affect sport fish restoration dollars coming to Minnesota. He said the general fund reimbursement acknowledges that angling is a major economic driver for the state, supporting spending on gas, resorts, bait, and related purchases. Members echoed support for the concept, with comments about helping older residents stay engaged in fishing and about the need to keep the fund sustainable. The chair noted that the packet included letters of support from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Conservation Minnesota. No opposition testimony was presented. At the end of the discussion, the motion was renewed and House File 276 was laid over for possible inclusion in a future bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Warehouse uses like that of a data Warehouse uses like that of a data center<00:03:43.640> can
• Bank data center.
• > committee toured a data center last committee toured a data center last Friday<00:09:49.360> um<
• improve energy redundancy for data improve energy redundancy for data centers<00:20:48.799> by
• unreasonable enough to say that data unreasonable enough to say that data centers<00:31:54.679><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bunch of dedicated sportsmen and sportswomen who are hunters, anglers, conservationists of
• sportswomen who dedicated sportsmen and sportswomen who are<00:29:13.400> hunters,<00:29:14.080> anglers
• ,<00:29:15.080> conservationists are hunters, anglers, conservationists are hunters, anglers

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, led the Pledge of Allegiance with visiting children from Creativity Challenge Community, and approved the journal as corrected. The day was marked by several recognitions and announcements, including Sportsman Day, Lineman Day, and a CEA Lobby Day, with members offering brief tributes to professional linemen, Colorado sportsmen and conservationists, and education retirees and children visiting the Capitol. Members also announced committee schedules for the day and the next day. Committees set to meet included Appropriations, Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, Business Affairs and Labor, Finance, Energy and Environment, and Education, with specific bills listed for each committee. One committee, State Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs, announced it would not meet that day. The only formal action beyond the journal approval was a motion by the Majority Leader to lay over the balance of the calendar until Friday, April 24, 2026, which was adopted without objection. The House then moved to recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that many anglers and families have generations of memories created at the dam and reservoir
• This is not an environmentalist versus an anglers issue.
• Many anglers support restoration of the Ocklawaha.
• It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners are...
• It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners or business owners.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that many anglers and families have generations of memories created at the dam and reservoir
• This is not an environmentalist versus an anglers issue.
• Many anglers support restoration of the Ocklawaha.
• It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners are...
• It doesn't belong solely to anglers or the conservation community; boat owners or business owners.

Bills: S0698, S0958, S1066, S1230, S1288

Keywords: onsite sewage treatment, disposal systems, building permits, environmental regulation, local government authority, drinking straws, stirrers, local regulation, compostable, environmental impact, Ocklawaha River, St. Johns River, Silver Springs, river restoration, dam removal, Kirkpatrick Dam, Buckman Lock, Cross Florida Barge Canal, environmental restoration, springs protection

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be submitting additional information and data in writing.
• More importantly, the state's own forest data collection shows that up to 20% of DCR forests have negative
• According to MassGIS data, 50% of the state's population live in environmental justice block groups,
• Hunters and anglers are deeply connected to nature.
• Hunters and anglers are deeply connected to nature.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered several environment and natural resources bills focused on natural and working lands, forest protection, municipal reforestation, trail accessibility, and a park naming bill. Representative Moschino and Senator Comerford described the natural and working lands bill as part of the state’s climate roadmap, arguing that protecting these lands supports carbon sequestration, resilience, biodiversity, and helps prevent development pressure on the least expensive land. Senator Comerford also testified on a separate bill to expand access to trails for people of all abilities, saying it would build on the administration’s Trails for All initiative and create a permanent advisory structure and trust fund. Representative Consolvo and family members testified in support of H. 4259 to name the tennis courts at Wether Park in Roslindale after Kim O’Connell, describing her long community service and activism. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 952 and H. 953, bills to protect watershed and state forest lands as parks or reserves. Supporters, including environmental advocates, scientists, and organizations such as Standing Trees, Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, and the Massachusetts Forest Alliance’s opponents, debated whether state forests and watershed lands should be permanently reserved from logging and other active management. Supporters said the bills would improve carbon storage, water quality, biodiversity, flood and drought resilience, and would protect large acreages of public land at no cost. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Forest Alliance, argued that sustainable forest management and a mix of reserves and managed forests are needed for climate, water quality, wildfire prevention, rural jobs, and carbon outcomes, and urged the committee to allow the administration’s existing reserve process to continue. The committee also heard extensive testimony on the municipal reforestation bill, H. 1013/S. 553, which would create a statewide program, advisory council, and trust fund to support urban tree planting and maintenance. Municipal officials and advocates from Wellesley, Cambridge, Boston, the Mystic River watershed, and other communities said urban trees are critical for cooling, stormwater control, air quality, public health, and equity, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low canopy cover and high heat. Several witnesses emphasized that consistent funding is needed because trees take years to mature and many municipalities lack staff or watering capacity. Some witnesses asked that the bill be funded at $100 million and tied to the Mass Ready Act or environmental bond funding. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I've worked extensively on behalf of hunters and anglers.
• Um and because of that, I I've anglers.
• Hunters and anglers and the landowner community are natural allies and have been for years.
• Hunters and anglers and the landowner community are natural allies and have been for years.
• Hunters and anglers and the landowner community are natural allies and have been for years.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Here's what we know: 67% of anglers fish on private property.
• they fish on private Anglers they fish on private property<00:12:33.680> we<00:12:33.880>
• And I have dealt with a lot of individuals who are in this data arena, and I'm going to use that as an
• And I have dealt with a lot of individuals who are in this data arena, and I'm going to use that as an
• And I have dealt with a lot of individuals who are in this data arena, and I'm going to use that as an

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 01:45 SB 245 Discussion 02:20 SB 245 Roll Call Vote 04:12 SB 112 Discussion 05:25 SB 8 Discussion 25:20, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources Committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then took up Senate Bill 245, which would give the legislature more authority to review appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission and clarify language about commissioners serving before confirmation. The sponsor said the bill was meant to allow a deeper background review and prevent unconfirmed appointees from voting on budget matters. The bill was adopted with a sub and title amendment, and Senator Boswell explained his yes vote as a way to ensure timely and proper confirmation votes in the future. The committee then discussed Senate Bill 112, concerning fishing on privately owned lakes and ponds. Senator Boswell argued that landowners should be able to fish on their own property without a license and should control fish harvest on private waters, while still requiring permission for others to fish. Commissioner Rich Storm opposed the proposal, saying landowners already may fish on their property, warning that the bill could reduce fishing-license revenue and federal grant support, and noting the department’s work stocking fish, maintaining access, and funding conservation programs. Senator Webb said he was exploring possible compromise language, and other members raised concerns about pay lakes, youth access, and potential abuse of exemptions. Boswell ultimately withdrew the bill voluntarily, and the committee agreed not to vote on it that day. Finally, the committee heard a discussion-only presentation on Senate Bill 8, focused on long-term energy policy and the role of the Public Service Commission. The sponsor said Kentucky needs a broader energy strategy to address growing demand from new industries such as large data centers, grid capacity limits, and the need for expertise and possibly different pay scales to recruit qualified staff. Members responded positively to the discussion, noting the importance of the PSC and the need for continued work on the issue, but no vote was taken.